TEMPE, AZ - Rookie Ryan Lindley will start at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, coach Ken Whisenhunt announced after practice Wednesday.

The move was not surprising, given that Lindley replaced John Skelton in the second quarter last week when the Cardinals were leading the Atlanta Falcons. Lindley completed nine of 20 passes for 64 yards in that game, his first NFL appearance.

"Ryan will start for us and hopefully give us a spark and play well," Whisenhunt said.

The Cardinals (4-6) have lost six consecutive games. Skelton started the past four and was replaced after the series in which he missed receiver Larry Fitzgerald for a touchdown pass.

The Cardinals were ahead 13-0 after Skelton's last pass attempt in Atlanta, but Whisenhunt thought too many opportunities had been missed.

Skelton said he was "frustrated with the whole situation. I've just got to move forward from it."

Asked what specifically frustrated him, Skelton said: "Right now, just the whole situation. Obviously, losing six in a row is frustrating. What transpired on Sunday and then now, the benching, obviously, is frustrating."

Lindley moving into the starting role is an indication that Kevin Kolb is not ready to play on Sunday. He is recovering from detached ribs and a sprained shoulder joint suffered in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills.
Kolb has missed four games but practiced on Wednesday for the first time since the injury.

"I felt pretty good," he said. "There is some stuff that affected me a little bit but overall, I feel very positive."

Kolb appeared to have zip on his passes but said he didn't feel normal when forced to throw quickly and forcefully.

"When he (receiver) buzzes up late and you've got to turn and make an athletic, accurate throw," he said. "You have to do that in this game, obviously."